U.S. patent application number 12/796075 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-30 for valve assemblies and related systems and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Restaurant Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael J. Zweber.
Application Number | 20100243065 12/796075 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39100225 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100243065 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zweber; Michael J. |
September 30, 2010 |
VALVE ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
Check valve assemblies and related methods are described. A
valve assembly comprises a housing having at least a first inlet
passage and an outlet passage. A flow channel is disposed within
the housing, with at least a portion thereof extending inward from
the first inlet passage. A first check member is disposed within
the first inlet passage and is movable along the flow channel
between a closed position in which the first check member is
disposed against a first valve seat and an open position in which
the first check member is spaced from the first valve seat. In
varying examples, movement of the first check member from the
closed position to the open position is unopposed. Optionally, the
housing can include at least a second inlet passage wherein a
second check member is disposed. In an example, the second check
member is continuously biased toward a closed position.
Inventors: |
Zweber; Michael J.; (New
Prague, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
Restaurant Technologies,
Inc.
Eagan
MN
|
Family ID: |
39100225 |
Appl. No.: |
12/796075 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11893972 |
Aug 17, 2007 |
7740023 |
|
|
12796075 |
|
|
|
|
60838675 |
Aug 18, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
137/12 ; 137/512;
99/408 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/7842 20150401;
Y10T 137/0318 20150401; F16K 11/105 20130101; Y10T 137/0379
20150401; Y10T 137/7838 20150401; Y10T 137/7837 20150401; Y10T
137/2567 20150401; Y10T 137/87684 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/12 ; 137/512;
99/408 |
International
Class: |
F16K 15/04 20060101
F16K015/04 |
Claims
1. A valve assembly and a cooking oil handling system comprising: a
housing including a first inlet passage and a second inlet passage
and an outlet passage; a first flow channel disposed within the
housing, at least a portion of the first flow channel extending
inward from the first inlet passage to the outlet passage, and a
second flow channel disposed within the housing, at least a portion
of the second flow channel extending inward from the second inlet
passage to the outlet passage; a first check member disposed within
the first inlet passage, the first check member movable along the
first flow channel between a closed position in which the first
check member is disposed against a first valve seat and an open
position in which the first check member is spaced from the first
valve seat, wherein movement of the first check member from the
closed position to the open position is unopposed; a second check
member disposed within the second inlet passage, the second check
member movable along the second flow channel between a closed
position in which the second check member is disposed against a
second valve seat and an open position in which the second check
member is spaced from the second valve seat; a resilient member
operably engaged with the second check member to bias the second
check member against the second valve seat; a cooking oil frying
station operably coupled to the outlet passage of the housing; a
cooking oil filter station operably coupled to an outlet of the
cooking oil frying station and operably coupled to the first inlet
passage of the housing; and a cooking oil supply station operably
coupled to the second inlet passage of the housing.
2. The valve assembly and oil handling system of claim 1, wherein
the second inlet passage operably coupled to the cooking oil supply
station operates at a relatively higher pressure and the first
inlet passage operably coupled to the cooking oil filter station
operates at a relatively lower pressure.
3. The valve assembly and oil handling system of claim 1, wherein
the resilient member is disposed about a common axis of the first
and second valve seats.
4. The valve assembly and oil handling system of claim 3, wherein
the resilient member includes a resilient coil spring; and wherein
an inner diameter of the resilient coil spring is greater than the
diameter of the first check member and less than the diameter of
the second check member.
5. The valve assembly and oil handling system of claim 4, wherein
the first check member is configured to move unopposed from the
closed position to the open position within a lumen of the
resilient coil spring.
6. The valve assembly and oil handling system of claim 1, wherein a
cracking pressure of the first check member is less than a cracking
pressure of the second check member.
7. The valve assembly and oil handling system of claim 1, wherein a
diameter of the first check member is less than a diameter of the
second check member.
8. A valve assembly and a cooking oil handling system comprising: a
housing having at least a first inlet passage and a second inlet
passage and an outlet passage, the inlet passages partially
defining a flow channel within the housing; a first check member
disposed in the first inlet passage, the first check member movable
unopposed along the flow channel toward and away from a first valve
seat; a second check member disposed in the second inlet passage,
the second check member movable along the flow channel toward and
away from a second valve seat; a resilient member operably engaged
with the second check member thereby urging the same against the
second valve seat; a cooking oil frying station operably coupled to
the outlet passage of the housing; a cooking oil filter station
operably coupled to an outlet of the cooking oil frying station and
operably coupled to the first inlet passage of the housing; and a
cooking oil supply station operably coupled to the second inlet
passage of the housing.
9. The valve assembly and oil handling system of claim 8, wherein
the second inlet passage operably coupled to the cooking oil supply
station operates at a relatively higher pressure and the first
inlet passage operably coupled to the cooking oil filter station
operates at a relatively lower pressure.
10. The valve assembly and oil handling system of claim 8, wherein
the first and second valve seats surround a common axis of the flow
channel.
11. The valve assembly and oil handling system of claim 8, wherein
at least one of the first inlet passage, the second inlet passage,
or the outlet passage include threads therewithin.
12. The valve assembly and oil handling system of claim 8, wherein
at least one of the first or second check members includes a
spherical shape.
13. The valve assembly and oil handling system of claim 8, wherein
the first check member is movable within a lumen of the resilient
member;
14. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein a cracking pressure of
the first check member is less than a cracking pressure of the
second check member.
15. A method comprising: flowing filtered cooking oil from a
cooking oil filtering station in a first direction through a first
inlet passage of a valve housing, including moving a first check
member disposed in the first inlet passage away from a first valve
seat in a substantially unopposed manner, the filtered cooking oil
flowing out of an outlet passage of the valve housing to a cooking
oil frying station; checking the filtered cooking oil in a second
direction opposite the first direction at the first inlet passage;
and flowing cooking oil from a cooking oil supply station in a
third direction through a second inlet passage of the housing,
including moving a second check member disposed in the second inlet
passage away from a second valve seat, the second check member
movable toward and away from the second valve seat using a
resilient member operably engaged with the second check member
thereby urging the second check member against the second valve
seat.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second inlet passage
coupled to the cooking oil supply station operates at a relatively
higher pressure and the first inlet passage coupled to the cooking
oil filter station operates at a relatively lower pressure.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein moving the second check member
away from the second valve seat includes compressing at least a
portion of the resilient member biased in opposition to such
movement.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein flowing filtered cooking oil
through the first inlet passage includes flowing filtered cooking
oil at a first fluid pressure, and flowing cooking oil through the
second inlet passage includes flowing cooking oil at a second fluid
pressure greater than the first fluid pressure.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein moving the first check member
away from the first valve seat in the substantially unopposed
manner includes moving the first check member within a lumen of the
resilient member;
20. The method of claim 15, wherein a cracking pressure of the
first check member is less than a cracking pressure of the second
check member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED AND PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/893,972 (Attorney Docket No. 1174.004US1), entitled "CHECK
VALVE ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED METHODS," filed Aug. 17, 2007, which
claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e), to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/838,675 (Attorney
Docket No. 1174.004PRV), filed Aug. 18, 2006, which specifications
are herein incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This patent document pertains generally to valve assemblies
for a fluid handling system. More particularly, but not by way of
limitation, this patent document pertains to check valve assemblies
for preventing backflow of fluid along a flow path and related
methods.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Check valves are conventionally used in applications where
it is desirable to allow a flow of fluid in one direction and to
prevent flow in the reverse or "backflow" direction. For instance,
a check valve assembly can be used to prevent the backflow of used
or dirty oil from a fryer or filter station in an oil handling
system to avoid the risk of contaminating fresh or clean oil and
incurring potential health hazards.
[0004] To achieve this function, check valve assemblies typically
have a movable check member which is seated against a valve seat in
a valve inlet passage and/or a valve outlet passage when the check
member is in a closed or shunted position. When the check member is
unseated from the respective inlet or outlet passage seat, the
check member is opened and a "forward" flow can be introduced into
and through the valve.
[0005] A check member disposed in the valve inlet passage is
typically constructed so that it is unseated only in response to a
sufficient opening or "cracking" fluid pressure on an upstream side
of the inlet passage. In contrast, a backflow on a downstream side
of the inlet passage is ineffective to unseat the inlet check
member and open the valve. Similarly, an outlet check member is
constructed so that it is unseated only in response to sufficient
opening or cracking fluid pressure on an upstream side of the
outlet passage, whereby a backflow on a downstream side of the
outlet passage is ineffective to unseat the outlet check member and
open the valve. Generally, the requisite fluid pressure needed to
open or crack a check member must be greater than a biasing closing
pressure exerted by a resilient member engaged on a backside of the
check member.
Overview
[0006] The present inventor has recognized, among other things,
that one problem presented by currently used check valve assemblies
is that the requisite fluid pressure needed upstream to open or
crack the check member(s) of the valve is greater than what can be
met with certain fluid system pumps. For instance, as a system pump
becomes worn or degraded, the associated gears or pump housing no
longer fit well together. As a result, air can easily slip through
fitting gaps upon pump start-up thereby decreasing the fluid
thrusting power of the system pump. The present inventor has
further recognized that there exists an unmet need for a check
valve assembly in which at least one check member thereof can move
from a closed, seated position to an open position substantially
unopposed, that is, without requiring much, if any, upstream fluid
pressure to open or crack.
[0007] This patent document describes various valve assemblies
comprising a housing having at least a first inlet passage and an
outlet passage. A flow channel is disposed within the housing, with
at least a portion of the channel extending inward from the first
inlet passage. A first check member is disposed within the first
inlet passage and is movable along the flow channel between a
closed position in which the first check member is disposed against
a first valve seat and an open position in which the first check
member is spaced from the first valve seat. The movement of the
first check member from the closed position to the open position is
substantially unopposed, thereby allowing continuing operating of a
fluid handling system despite being powered, at least in part, by a
worn or degraded system pump. Optionally, the housing can include
at least a second inlet passage wherein a second check member is
disposed.
[0008] In Example 1, a valve assembly comprises a housing including
at least a first inlet passage and an outlet passage; a flow
channel disposed within the housing, at least a portion of the flow
channel extending inward from the first inlet passage; and a first
check member disposed within the first inlet passage, the first
check member movable along the flow channel between a closed
position in which the first check member is disposed against a
first valve seat and an open position in which the first check
member is spaced from the first valve seat, wherein movement of the
first check member from the closed position to the open position is
unopposed.
[0009] In Example 2, the valve assembly of Example 1 optionally
comprises a second check member disposed within a second inlet
passage of the housing, the second check member movable between a
closed position in which the second check member is disposed
against a second valve seat and an open position in which the
second check member is spaced from the second valve seat.
[0010] In Example 3, the valve assembly of Example 2 optionally
comprises a resilient member disposed about a common axis of the
first and second valve seats, a resilient member first end operably
engaged adjacent the first valve seat and a resilient member second
end operably engaged with the second check member to bias the same
against the second valve seat.
[0011] In Example 4, the valve assembly of at least one of Examples
2-3 is optionally configured such that a diameter of the first
check member is less than a diameter of the second check
member.
[0012] In Example 5, the valve assembly of Example 4 is optionally
configured such that the resilient member includes a resilient coil
spring and an inner diameter of the resilient coil spring is
greater than the diameter of the first check member and less than
the diameter of the second check member.
[0013] In Example 6, the valve assembly of Example 5 is optionally
configured such that the first check member is configured move
unopposed from the closed position to the open position within a
lumen of the resilient coil spring.
[0014] In Example 7, the valve assembly of at least one of Examples
2-6 is optionally configured such that a cracking pressure of the
first check member is less than a cracking pressure of the second
check member.
[0015] In Example 8, the valve assembly of at least one of Examples
2-7 is optionally configured such that the first check member is
configured to check fluid flow in a first direction, and the second
check member is configured to check fluid flow in a second
direction substantially opposite the first direction.
[0016] In Example 9, the valve assembly of at least one of Examples
2-8 is optionally configured such that the first check member is
configured to operate independently of the second check member.
[0017] In Example 10, the valve assembly of at least one of
Examples 1-9 optionally comprises a seal member disposed adjacent
the first or second valve seat.
[0018] In Example 11, the valve assembly of at least one of
Examples 1-10 is optionally configured such that a requisite
cracking pressure of the first check member is less than
approximately 0.5 psi.
[0019] In Example 12, the valve assembly of at least one of
Examples 1-11 is optionally configured such that the first check
member is sized and shaped to sealably engage with the first valve
seat to limit fluid flow out of the first inlet passage.
[0020] In Example 13, a valve assembly comprises a housing having
at least a first and a second inlet passage and an outlet passage,
the inlet passages partially defining a flow channel within the
housing; a first check member disposed in the first inlet passage,
the first check member movable unopposed along the flow channel
toward and away from a first valve seat; a second check member
disposed in the second inlet passage, the second check member
movable along the flow channel toward and away from a second valve
seat; and a resilient member operably engaged with the second check
member thereby urging the same against the second valve seat.
[0021] In Example 14, the valve assembly of Example 13 is
optionally configured such that the first and second valve seats
surround a common axis of the flow channel.
[0022] In Example 15, the valve assembly of at least one of
Examples 13-14 is optionally configured such that the first check
member is movable with a lumen of the resilient member.
[0023] In Example 16, the valve assembly of at least one of
Examples 13-15 is optionally configured such that at least one of
the first inlet passage, the second inlet passage, or the outlet
passage include internal threads.
[0024] In Example 17, the valve assembly of at least one of
Examples 13-16 is optionally configured such that at least one of
the first or second check members includes a spherical shape.
[0025] In Example 18, a method comprises flowing fluid in a first
direction through a first inlet passage of a housing, including
moving a first check member disposed in the first inlet passage
away from a first valve seat in a substantially unopposed manner;
and checking fluid in a second direction opposite the first
direction at the first inlet passage.
[0026] In Example 19, the method of Example 18 optionally comprises
flowing fluid in a third direction through a second inlet passage
of a housing, including moving a second check member disposed in
the second inlet passage away from a second valve seat.
[0027] In Example 20, the method of Example 19 is optionally
configured such that flowing fluid in the third direction includes
flowing fluid in a direction substantially similar to the second
direction.
[0028] In Example 21, the method of at least one of Examples 19-20
is optionally configured such that moving the second check member
away from the second valve seat includes compressing at least a
portion of a resilient member biased in opposition to such
movement.
[0029] In Example 22, the method of at least one of Examples 19-21
is optionally configured such that flowing fluid through the first
inlet passage includes flowing fluid at a first fluid pressure, and
flowing fluid through the second inlet passage includes flowing
fluid at a second fluid pressure greater than the first fluid
pressure.
[0030] In Example 23, the method of at least one of Examples 18-22
is optionally configured such that moving the first check member
away from the first valve seat in the substantially unopposed
manner includes moving the first check member within a lumen of a
resilient member.
[0031] Advantageously, the present valve assemblies and methods can
provide for a simple and economical fluid handling system that may
still function even as one or more pumps of a fluid handling system
become worn or degraded. In addition, the present valve assemblies
can be retrofitted within the design constraints of an already
existing fluid handling system by being amenable to compact and
large constructions, depending on the system's need(s). This
retrofitability avoids the expense of realigning fluid lines to
accommodate new valve assembly housings of different or increased
dimensions. These and other examples, advantages, and features of
the present assemblies and methods will be set forth in part in the
following Detailed Description. This Overview is intended to
provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent
document. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive
explanation of the invention. The Detailed Description is included
to provide further information about the present patent
document.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] In the drawings, like numerals describe similar components
throughout the several views. Like numerals having different letter
suffixes represent different instances of similar components. The
drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of
limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present
document.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a side view of a check valve assembly and an
environment in which the valve assembly can be used, the valve
assembly including at least one check member moveable from a closed
position to an open position substantially unopposed.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve assembly,
such as along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, the valve assembly including at
least one check member moveable from a closed position to an open
position substantially unopposed.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve assembly
in which a first check member is in an open position and a second
check member is in a closed position.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve assembly
in which a first check member is in a closed position and a second
check member is in an open position.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of one or more stations, fluid
lines, and valves of a fluid handling system configured for the
storing and distributing of fresh oil, the filtering and
recirculation of used oil, and the storing and elimination from the
system of waste oil.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of portions of the fluid handling
system illustrated in FIG. 5, including a fryer/filter pump and
system components associated therewith.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example method of using a
check valve assembly, the valve assembly including at least one
check member movable from a closed position to an open position
substantially unopposed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Fluid system pumps are typically started with air on both
sides thereof. However, as pumps age over time, the associated
gears or pump housing often become worn down or degrade so that
they no longer fit well together. Due to air slipping through gaps
in the gear-housing fitting, the system pump may have a hard time
moving air upon start-up thereby decreasing the fluid thrusting
power of the system pump. Consequently, the fluid pressure required
to open or crack typical check valve assemblies (e.g., which have a
cracking pressure dependent upon a size of an inlet check member
and spring engaged therewith) downstream of the system pump can be
unattainable.
[0041] To accommodate for the wear and degradation of fluid system
pumps, yet still be retrofittable within currently used fluid
handling systems, the present valve assemblies and methods include
a check member movable from a closed position to an open position
substantially unopposed. As a result of being movably unopposed
from the closed to the open position, this check member of the
valve assemblies can have a requisite cracking pressure of less
than 1 psi, and in some cases less than 0.5 psi, such as
approximately 0 psi.
Examples
[0042] FIG. 1 is a side view of a check valve assembly 100 and an
environment in which the valve assembly can be used. The valve
assembly 100 includes a housing 102 having at least a first inlet
passage 104 and an outlet passage 108. As shown, the valve assembly
100 can optionally include three or more passages, such as the
first inlet passage 104, a second inlet passage 110, and the outlet
passage 108. The three or more passages allow fluid flow between
different combinations of the passages depending upon the function
desired by a fluid handling system 500 (see, e.g., FIG. 5) in which
the valve assembly 100 is used. An inner surface of the housing 102
can define a flow channel 112 between the inlet 104, 110 and outlet
108 passages.
[0043] A first check member 106 is disposed within the first inlet
passage 104, while a second check member 114 is disposed in the
optional second inlet passage 110. The first check member 106 is
movable unopposed along portions of the flow channel 112 between a
closed position in which the first check member is disposed against
a first valve seat 116 and an open position in which the first
check member is spaced form the first valve seat. The second check
member 110, like the first check member 106, is movable along
portions of the flow channel 112 between a closed position in which
the second check member is disposed against a second valve seat 118
and an open position in which the second check member is spaced
from the second valve seat. However, as shown, the second check
member 114 can be continuously biased toward the closed position by
a resilient member 120, such that movement to the open position is
opposed and requires sufficient upstream fluid pressure to
effectuate cracking movement. In their respective closed positions,
both the first 106 and second 114 check members prevent backflow of
fluid from exiting the valve assembly 100 via the inlet passages
104, 110.
[0044] In an example, the valve assembly 100 can be disposed
between a lower pressure fluid line 122 and a higher pressure fluid
line 124, as shown in phantom. To connect to the fluid lines 122,
124 to the valve assembly 100, the inlet 104, 110 and outlet 108
passages of the housing 102 can be internally threaded 250 (FIG. 2)
with a thread size configured to mate with external threads of the
fluid lines. Once connected and the check members 106, 114 are
moved to an open position, the inlet passages 104, 110 can admit
fluid flow into the housing 102 from a first 126 and second 128
direction, while the outlet passage 108 can discharge fluid flow in
a third direction 130. In an example, the first 126 and second 128
flow directions are generally opposite. In an example, the third
flow direction 130 is generally perpendicular to the first 126 and
second 128 flow directions. Advantageously, little to no pressure
is required in the lower pressure fluid line 122 to open or crack
the first check member 106, as such member is moveable
substantially unopposed.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve assembly
100, such as along 2-2 of FIG. 1. In this example, a valve housing
102 extends from a first end 202 to a second end 204. First 104 and
second 110 inlet passages are respectively positioned at the first
202 and second 204 ends and form, at least in part, an internal
flow channel 112 that fluidly connects the two ends and houses
first 106 and second 114 check members. When installed, the first
inlet passage 104 can be connected to a lower pressure fluid line
122 (FIG. 1) and the second inlet passage 110 can be connected to a
higher pressure fluid line 124 (FIG. 1). Fluid inlet flow from the
fluid lines 122, 124 can be stopped, directed, or left unimpeded by
the check members 106, 114 before exiting through an outlet passage
108.
[0046] The first 106 and second 114 check members are movable
between an open and a closed position. In the closed position, the
check members 106, 114 abut against respective first 116 and second
118 valve seats. In an example, the first 116 and second 118 valve
seats are co-axial with one another and are positioned on opposite
ends of the housing 102. The first check member 106 is configured
within the housing 102 to move from the closed position to the open
position substantially unopposed. In an example, movement of the
first check member 106 between the open and closed positions is
guided by the flow channel 112, which may optionally include a
material known to have low coefficient of friction with the first
check member 106 allowing such check member to slidably move
substantially unopposed. In the example shown, a resilient member
120 is provided within the flow channel 112 and positioned to
continuously urge the second check member 114 toward a closed
position on the second valve seat 118. As a result, movement of the
second check member 114 from the closed position to the open
position is opposed and requires upstream fluid pressure in the
higher pressure fluid line 124 greater than a biasing closing
pressure exerted by the resilient member 120 to open or crack,
thereby allowing fluid flow therethrough.
[0047] The resilient member 120 can be disposed about a common axis
of the first 116 and second 118 valve seats such that a resilient
member first end 208 is operably engaged adjacent the first valve
seat 116 and a resilient member second end 206 is operably engaged
with a backend of the second check member 114. Optionally, the
resilient member 120 includes a coil spring having a lumen 212 of
diameter 214 therein. A diameter 216 of the first check member 106
can be less than the spring lumen diameter 214, while a diameter
218 of the second check member 114 can be greater than the spring
lumen diameter 214. In such an example, movement of the first check
member 106 to the open position is guided by the spring lumen 212
and movement of the second check member 114 to the open position is
dependent on overcoming the opposing coil spring bias. In one
example, the opening or cracking fluid pressure required to move
the first check member 106 from the closed position is less than
1.0 psi, such as 0.5 psi or less, while the opening or cracking
fluid pressure required to move the second check member 114 from
the closed position is between about 3-5 psi.
[0048] The valve assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2 advantageously can be
designed in compact or large constructions, depending on a fluid
handling system's 500 (see, e.g., FIG. 5) sizing or needs. For
instance, the ability of the resilient member 120 to control and
guide movement of the both the first 106 and second 114 check
members allows the valve assembly 100 to be manufactured using less
number of parts, resulting in smaller constructions than would
otherwise be possible. In addition, the size of the valve assembly
100 can be made large to accommodate large anticipated fluid line
pressure or flow requirements of the fluid handling system 500.
[0049] FIGS. 3-4 illustrates that a first 106 and second 114 check
member of a valve assembly 100 can operate independently of one
another. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3, the first check member
106 can be moved to an open position spaced from a first valve seat
116, while a second check member 114 can held against a second
valve seat 118 by a resilient member 120. Similarly, as shown in
FIG. 4, the second check member 114 can be moved to an open
position spaced from the second valve seat 118, while the first
check member 106 is disposed against the first valve seat 116. Due
to the independent operational nature of the first 106 and second
114 check members, failure of either check member need not
interfere with continued effective operation of the other check
member.
[0050] In an example operation, a first inlet passage 104 of a
housing 102 is ported for fluid flow form a lower pressure fluid
line 122 (FIG. 1) and a second inlet passage 110 is ported from
fluid flow from a higher pressure fluid line 124 (FIG. 1). If fluid
flow is present in the lower pressure fluid line 122 (even at
pressures less than 0.5 psi, such as close to 0 psi), but the fluid
flow in the higher pressure fluid line 124 is non-existent or less
than an opposing biasing force of the resilient member 120, then
the valve assembly 100 can assume the check member positions shown
in FIG. 3. In the example of FIG. 3, the first check member 106 has
moved substantially unopposed along a flow channel 112 within the
housing 102 from a seated, closed position to the open position
shown due fluid flow in the lower pressure fluid line 122. As
discussed above, the unopposed moveable nature of the first check
member 106 allows low fluid flows, such as flows resulting from
worn or degraded system pumps, to open or crack such check member,
enter the flow channel 112 and ultimately exit through an outlet
passage 108, as indicated by path 302. Fluid flow deviating from
path 302 is prevented from exiting through the second inlet passage
110 due to the second check member 114 abutting against the second
valve seat 118. Should fluid attempt to flow opposite path 302, the
first check member will close, thereby preventing flow of fluid
through the first inlet passage 104. In an example, the first check
member 104 is configured to check fluid flow in a direction
opposite the checking direction of the second check member 114.
[0051] If fluid flow is present in the higher pressure fluid line
124 and such fluid flow is higher than a biasing force of the
resilient member 120, but no fluid flow is present in the lower
pressure fluid line 122, then the valve assembly 100 can assume the
check member positions shown in FIG. 4. In the example of FIG. 4,
the second check member 114 has overcome the opposing biasing force
of the resilient member 120 and moved along the flow channel 112
from a seated, closed position to the open position shown due
sufficient fluid flow in the higher pressure fluid line 124. As
discussed above, the overcoming fluid pressure in the higher fluid
line 124 causes an opening or cracking of the second check member
114, allowing fluid flow to enter the flow channel 112 and
ultimately exit through the outlet passage 108, as indicated by
path 404. Fluid flow deviating from path 404 is prevented from
exiting through the first inlet passage 104 due to the first check
member 114 abutting against the first valve seat 116. Should fluid
attempt to flow opposite path 404, the second check member will
close, thereby preventing flow of fluid through the second inlet
passage 110.
[0052] Optionally, a seal member 402 can be disposed adjacent one
or both of the first 116 or second 118 valve seats between the
seats and the first 106 or second 114 check members. When the check
members 106, 114 are in their respective closed positions, the seal
member 402 can be compressed against a leading surface of the check
members improving backflow leak-tightness. In an example, the seal
member 402 can be made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber.
In an example, the first 116 and second 118 valve seats are annular
in shape and are configured to receive a spherical or other rounded
portion of the check members 106, 114, further increasing the
sealing preventing backflow.
[0053] Among other uses, the present valve assemblies 100 and
methods may find utility in automated cooking oil supply, filter,
and disposal systems, such as the oil handing system 500 shown in
FIG. 5. As shown, but as may vary, the system 500 comprises a
filter station 502, a waste station 504, a supply station 506, a
supply pump 508, a fryer/filter pump 510, a fryer station 512, and
various valves manually or automatically controllable, such as via
a valve panel controller. The stations are interconnected by fluid
lines 514 capable of carrying the required flow of cooking oil
between selected stations for the various purposes discussed
below.
[0054] The filter station 502 comprises a filter to separate the
cooking oil still amenable to reuse and the residue of carbon and
food particles mixed with the used oil from the cooking process.
Once filtered, the oil can then be recirculated to the fryer
station 512 for reuse. One or more valves, such as drain ball
valves 516, 518, 520 are positioned in the fluid lines 514 leading
to the entrance of the filter station 502. The drain ball valves
516, 518, 520 can either be manually or electronically
operated.
[0055] The waste station 504 comprises a waste receptacle to store
waste cooking oil which has been degraded beyond appropriate
further use in the cooking process. One or more valves, such as a
solenoid valve 522 or a piloted solenoid valve 524 as discussed in
commonly assigned Zweber, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/893,971, entitled "PILOTED SOLENOID VALVE ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED
METHODS," filed on Aug. 17, 2007; can be positioned in a fluid line
514 leading to the entrance of the waste station 504. To remove oil
from the system 500, a coupling attachment 542 of the waste station
504 is coupled to an outside line 538 leading to a remotely located
storage facility, such as a tanker truck for immediate removal.
[0056] The supply station 506 comprises a supply storage tank to
receive and store fresh cooking oil and provide the same to the
fryer station 512 on an as needed basis. The supply pump 512 and
one or more valves, such as a check valve assembly 100 including a
check member movable to an open position substantially unopposed,
are positioned in the fluid lines 514 leading from the exit of the
supply station 506 and intersecting with the fluid lines 514
returning to the fryer station 512 from the solenoid valve 522 or
piloted solenoid valve 524, as shown. To supply fresh oil to the
system 500, an outside line 536 leading to a remotely located
source of fresh oil, such as a tank truck or a remotely located
storage tank, is coupled to a coupling attachment 540 of the supply
station 506.
[0057] The supply 508 and fryer/filter 510 pumps function to
deliver cooking oil along whatever path is designed by the
appropriate opening and closing of the various system valves. More
specifically, the supply pump 508 functions to deliver new oil from
the supply station 506 to the fry station 512; whereas the
fryer/filter pump 510 functions to either recirculate to the fryer
station 512 reusable oil or dispose, via the waste station 504, oil
that is beyond appropriate further use.
[0058] The fryer station 512 comprises one or more valves, such as
return manifold ball valves 530, 532, 534, positioned in the fluid
lines 514 leading to the entrance of the fryer station 512. The
function of the fryer station 512 is to allow the proper metering
of fresh or recycled filtered oil into one or more fryer vats of
the fryer station 512.
[0059] In brief, the system 500 is designed to operate in close
synchronization with the needs of a cooking equipment operator.
These needs can vary from the introduction of fresh cooking oil
into the system 500 and metering of such oil into the frying
station 512, to the recycling/filtering of used cooking oil, and
finally, to the complete removal of waste oil from the system 500.
Cooking oil systems, such as oil handling system 500, are becoming
quite common in fast food and other restaurants, which typically
use large quantities of grease or cooking oil in frying during the
preparation of food. These automated cooking oil systems
advantageously eliminate operator handling of new and used oil and
the many problems that are associated therewith. Unfortunately,
lengthy use and debris in used oil takes its toll on at least the
fryer/filter pump 510 of the system 500, causing the pump to become
worn or degraded over time. This wearing and degrading results in
the associated gears or pump housing of the fryer/filter pump 510
to no longer fit well together, thereby allowing air to slip
through fitting gaps upon pump start-up and ultimately reducing
fluid trusting pressure downstream of the system 500.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the fluid pressure downstream of the
fryer/filter pump 510 may be reduced to the point that a downstream
check valve assembly 100 including a check member 106 movable to an
open position substantially unopposed is needed. A fluid line 514
connects the filter station 502 and the check valve assembly 100
allowing return flow to the fryer station 512 (FIG. 5). Thus, when
it is desired to place new or clean oil in the fryer station 512,
one or more drain ball valves 516, 518, 520 (FIG. 5) can be opened
and used, dirty oil may be pumped (via the fryer/filter pump 510),
through a filter station 502 and into a solenoid 522 or piloted
solenoid 524 valve. Based on an operator determination that the
used, now filter oil pumped from the fryer station 512 is reusable,
the system 500 (FIG. 5) can be placed in filter mode allowing the
filtered oil to advance through the solenoid 522 or piloted
solenoid valve 524 and into the fluid line 514 leading back to the
fryer station 512. To prevent the filtered oil from combining with
new oil, the check valve assembly 100 may be positioned as shown.
The check valve assembly 100 in this example ensures the filtered
oil and the new oil do not mix, while still allowing both such oils
to flow to the fryer manifold as desired by the operator and
attainable by the fryer/filter 510 and supply 508 (FIG. 5) pumps.
In an example, components of the valve assembly 100 include
materials that are corrosion-resistant to increase valve longevity
when used with systems such as the oil handling system 500.
[0061] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example method 700 of using
a check valve in a fluid handling system. At 702, fluid is flowed
in a first direction through a first inlet passage of a housing. In
an example, the fluid flowing through the first inlet passage
includes a fluid pressure between about 0-1 psi. Upon entering the
first inlet passage, the fluid flow causes a first check member
disposed in the first inlet passage to move away from a first valve
seat in a substantially unopposed manner, at 704. This moving of
the first valve member away from the first valve seat allows the
fluid flow to enter into a fluid channel within the housing and
ultimately through a housing outlet passage. In an example, the
moving of the first valve member away from the first valve seat
includes moving the first check member with a lumen of a resilient
coil spring. At 706, fluid is checked in a second direction
opposite the first direction at the first inlet passage. Once fluid
flow passes the first check member, it is thereafter prevented from
backflowing due to abutting of the first check member against the
first valve seat.
[0062] At 708, fluid is flowed in a third direction through an
optional second inlet passage of a housing. In an example, the
fluid flowing through the second inlet passage includes a fluid
pressure between about 3-5 psi. In another example, the fluid
flowed in the third direction is flowed in a direction
substantially similar to the direction at which fluid is checked by
the first check member. Upon entering the second inlet passage, the
fluid flow causes a second check member disposed in the second
inlet passage to move away from a second valve seat in opposition
to a biasing force of the resilient coil spring, at 710. In an
example, this moving of the second check member away from the
second valve seat causes portions of the resilient coil spring to
compress. This moving of the second valve member away from the
second valve seat allows the fluid flow to enter into the housing
fluid channel and ultimately through the housing outlet passage. At
710, fluid is check in a fourth direction opposite the third
direction at the second inlet passage. Once fluid flow passes the
second check member, it is thereafter prevented from backflowing
due to abutting of the second check member against the second valve
seat.
CONCLUSION
[0063] Check valve assemblies and related methods are provided
herein for maintaining operation of a fluid handling system, even
as one or more system pumps become worn or degraded, via improved
check member opening behavior. The valve assemblies comprise a
housing having at least a first inlet passage and an outlet
passage. A flow channel is disposed within the housing, with at
least a portion of the channel extending inward from the first
inlet passage. A first check member is disposed within the first
inlet passage and is movable along the flow channel, or a spring
lumen within the flow channel, between a closed position in which
the first check member is disposed against a first valve seat and
an open position in which the first check member is spaced from the
first valve seat. The movement of the first check member from the
closed position to the open position is substantially unopposed,
thereby allowing continuing operation of a fluid handling system
despite being powered by a worn or degraded pump. Optionally, the
housing can include at least a second inlet passage wherein a
second check member is disposed.
CLOSING NOTES
[0064] The above Detailed Description includes references to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the Detailed
Description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These
embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." All
publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this
document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as
though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of
inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so
incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated
reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this
document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this
document controls.
[0065] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or
"one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B
but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this
document, the designations "higher pressure fluid line" and "lower
pressure fluid line" serve only to differentiate between the fluid
lines. Situations may arise in which the pressure in the lower
pressure fluid line is greater than that in the higher pressure
fluid line.
[0066] In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which"
are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms
"comprising" and "wherein." Also, in the following claims, the
terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, a
system, device, article, or process that includes elements in
addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still
deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the
following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc.
are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical
requirements on their objects.
[0067] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one
or more features thereof) may be used in combination with each
other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Also, in the
above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped
together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be
interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is
essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in
less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. In
addition, while the majority of this patent document discusses
using the present valve assemblies and methods in a cooking oil
supply, filter, and disposal system, the present valve assemblies
and methods can also be used in other fluid systems where it is
desired to prevent backflow of fluid along a certain flow path.
Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the
Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be
determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the
full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
[0068] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.
.sctn.1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature
of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding
that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning
of the claims.
* * * * *